The 2012 Yehudi Menuhin International Competition for Young Violinists has started on a strong note at the National Center for the Performing Arts in Beijing on April 6.

Under the baton of Hu Yongyan and Hu Kun, the China Youth Symphony Orchestra performed at the opening concert with five violin soloists who have won the Menuhin Competition. They include Ning Feng, Lu Siqing and Tasmin Little. Little is also a member of the board of jury of this year's competition.

Forty-two violinists from around the world will take part in the 2012 Menuhin Competition. The finals for the junior group was held on April 13, and the senior group on April 14.

The Menuhin Competition was founded in Britain in 1983. The competition is held outside Europe for the first time this year.